Cyber attacks have become a significant issue in Australia, with several high-profile companies and organisations experiencing data breaches. Recent attacks on Meriton and Latitude Financial have resulted in the loss of sensitive information, leading to increased concerns over cybersecurity in the country.
A string of cyberattacks resulting in the loss of sensitive data affects Australian businesses and individuals. Large property company Meriton and significant financial services provider Latitude Financial have recently announced data breaches.
The former’s cyber attack may have resulted in employee and visitor data theft. At the same time, the latter experienced the theft of 6 million customer records, over 50,000 passport numbers, and information about nearly 8 million driver’s licences.
These cyberattacks follow ones that similarly targeted Optus and Medibank, two of Australia’s most prominent firms. The government has vowed to bolster cybersecurity measures and impose higher fines on businesses that regularly violate privacy as cyberattacks increase in frequency and sophistication.
According to a poll, only 10% of respondents said they had personally experienced a violent crime like a burglary or assault, whereas 32.1% said they had personally experienced one or had a household member who had been a cyberattack victim. Furthermore, the Australian Tax Office revealed that three million hacking attempts are made against its systems monthly.
“In order to put the mechanics in place to actually better defend ourselves and then better respond to it is going to require a lot of hours, a lot of effort and a lot of dollars,” said Troy Hunt, a cybersecurity expert.
Cyber attacks can have significant repercussions for people and businesses, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal issues. Therefore, all firms need to address cybersecurity proactively.
In light of these attacks, the government advises Australians to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their data. This includes using strong passwords, being cautious about sharing personal information online, and ensuring their security software and systems are current. As cyber-attacks continue to grow, individuals and organisations must prioritise cybersecurity and take necessary measures to protect their data.
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